Mark Lawrence Schlemmer

Mark Lawrence Schlemmer, born May 7, 1947, died Nov. 26, 2008. He was a man of tough skin and a soft heart, a survivor of more than most, though he leaves his family far too soon. He was born in the Burrow of Manhattan, N.Y. to his mother Judith and father Howard. Growing up in Newark, N.J. with his mother during the week, he would travel to Cornwall to spend time with his father on weekends. Mark’s band of misfits included his cousins, Richie and Larry, and his good friend, Johnny Eaton. If the boys weren’t hunting in the backwoods of upstate New York, they might have been found sneaking out of the house for some fun or spinning cars on the frozen lake.

Graduating from one of the most violent schools in the country, Patterson High School in New Jersey, Mark enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. Stationed in Thailand, Mark earned rank of sergeant and worked in teletype communications. During his years of service he married and had two daughters. Christy and Jill Schlemmer.

After seven years of marriage, Mark and his wife Leslie parted ways and he made his way to California. In October of 1978, he was introduced to Norene, and her three young children, Malinda, Michael and Bernadette. They fell in love quickly and made a big leap, moving the whole family to Santa Cruz to start a new life. This chapter of his life was filled with a new-found happiness and he enjoyed being a father, horseback riding, gardening and hosting raucous Halloween parties that went on all night. He loved practical jokes, feisty discussions and always dished out plenty of playful banter with that devilish grin we all know.

He had great compassion for others who were going through rough patches. His door was always open to those in need of a little extra love and support. He became a father figure to several young individuals who looked upon him for guidance and love, all of whom learned a few life lessons.

In his more recent years, he and his wife Norene took on another challenge, starting NorMark Enterprises, a trucking and logistics company that began with one single truck and now has a fleet of trucks and drivers covering the West Coast and Texas.

His interest in military history drove him to learn about World War II, the Civil War and the Great Wild West. This interest also brought him to amass an impressive collection of rare, modern and antique firearms, some of which date back to the 19th century. He also captured small pieces of history with his collection of coins which include limited edition gold coins, rare historical coins and international coins from all over the globe. It was his hope that his passion for these collectibles will live on as they pass to his grandchildren and their grandchildren thereafter.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 30 years, Norene; his daughters, Christy, Jill, Sandi, Malinda and Bernadette; his son, Michael; and his grandchildren, Rachel, Chloe Morgan, Shepard, Megan, Anthony, Paeton and Adeline.

He lived his life with a passion for what he believed in, and a deep compassion for those he loved. His ornery behavior and playful antics will be missed but his loving spirit will live in his family’s hearts forever.